BANGUI, Central African Republic – Civil society, political groups and residents of Central African Republic say they welcome the resignation of the head of the peacekeeping mission in the country over the force's handling of dozens of misconduct allegations, including rape and killing.

Former U.N. mission head Babacar Gaye of Senegal handed in a letter of resignation Wednesday after more allegations surfaced of abuses by U.N. peacekeepers in the country.

Crepin Mboli-Goumba, a political party head, said people were shocked about the sexual abuse allegations that have come out against the peacekeeping mission there.

The coordinator of civil society groups in Central African Republic, Gervais Lakosso, said he hopes the resignation will improve the mission in the country and cement seller Jonathan Kpingo called for investigations.